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Buchanan LM, Domingo MJ, White SE, Vanoven TN, Karbasion N, Bersi MR, Pence IJ, Florian-Rodriguez M, Miller KS. Advances in vaginal bioengineering: Applications, techniques, and needs. Curr Res Physiol 2023; 6:100111. [PMID: 38107786 PMCID: PMC10724214 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphys.2023.100111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lily M. Buchanan
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Bioengineering, 800 W. Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Mari J.E. Domingo
- Tulane University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 6823 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - Shelby E. White
- Tulane University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 6823 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - Triniti N. Vanoven
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Bioengineering, 800 W. Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Niyousha Karbasion
- Washington University at St. Louis, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, 1 Brookings Dr, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Matthew R. Bersi
- Washington University at St. Louis, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, 1 Brookings Dr, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Isaac J. Pence
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Bioengineering, 800 W. Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Charles and Jane Pak Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Maria Florian-Rodriguez
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Kristin S. Miller
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Bioengineering, 800 W. Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 800 W. Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
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Zaniker EJ, Babayev E, Duncan FE. Common mechanisms of physiological and pathological rupture events in biology: novel insights into mammalian ovulation and beyond. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1648-1667. [PMID: 37157877 PMCID: PMC10524764 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Ovulation is a cyclical biological rupture event fundamental to fertilisation and endocrine function. During this process, the somatic support cells that surround the germ cell undergo a remodelling process that culminates in breakdown of the follicle wall and release of a mature egg. Ovulation is driven by known proteolytic and inflammatory pathways as well as structural alterations to the follicle vasculature and the fluid-filled antral cavity. Ovulation is one of several types of systematic remodelling that occur in the human body that can be described as rupture. Although ovulation is a physiological form of rupture, other types of rupture occur in the human body which can be pathological, physiological, or both. In this review, we use intracranial aneurysms and chorioamniotic membrane rupture as examples of rupture events that are pathological or both pathological and physiological, respectively, and compare these to the rupture process central to ovulation. Specifically, we compared existing transcriptomic profiles, immune cell functions, vascular modifications, and biomechanical forces to identify common processes that are conserved between rupture events. In our transcriptomic analysis, we found 12 differentially expressed genes in common among two different ovulation data sets and one intracranial aneurysm data set. We also found three genes that were differentially expressed in common for both ovulation data sets and one chorioamniotic membrane rupture data set. Combining analysis of all three data sets identified two genes (Angptl4 and Pfkfb4) that were upregulated across rupture systems. Some of the identified genes, such as Rgs2, Adam8, and Lox, have been characterised in multiple rupture contexts, including ovulation. Others, such as Glul, Baz1a, and Ddx3x, have not yet been characterised in the context of ovulation and warrant further investigation as potential novel regulators. We also identified overlapping functions of mast cells, macrophages, and T cells in the process of rupture. Each of these rupture systems share local vasoconstriction around the rupture site, smooth muscle contractions away from the site of rupture, and fluid shear forces that initially increase and then decrease to predispose one specific region to rupture. Experimental techniques developed to study these structural and biomechanical changes that underlie rupture, such as patient-derived microfluidic models and spatiotemporal transcriptomic analyses, have not yet been comprehensively translated to the study of ovulation. Review of the existing knowledge, transcriptomic data, and experimental techniques from studies of rupture in other biological systems yields a better understanding of the physiology of ovulation and identifies avenues for novel studies of ovulation with techniques and targets from the study of vascular biology and parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Zaniker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 10-109, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Elnur Babayev
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 10-109, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Francesca E. Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 10-109, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Masson LE, O’Brien CM, Gautam R, Thomas G, Slaughter JC, Goldberg M, Bennett K, Herington J, Reese J, Elsamadicy E, Newton JM, Mahadevan-Jansen A. In vivo Raman spectroscopy monitors cervical change during labor. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 227:275.e1-275.e14. [PMID: 35189092 PMCID: PMC9308703 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biochemical cervical change during labor is not well understood, in part, because of a dearth of technologies capable of safely probing the pregnant cervix in vivo. The need for such a technology is 2-fold: (1) to gain a mechanistic understanding of the cervical ripening and dilation process and (2) to provide an objective method for evaluating the cervical state to guide clinical decision-making. Raman spectroscopy demonstrates the potential to meet this need, as it is a noninvasive optical technique that can sensitively detect alterations in tissue components, such as extracellular matrix proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and blood, which have been previously established to change during the cervical remodeling process. OBJECTIVE We sought to demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy can longitudinally monitor biochemical changes in the laboring cervix to identify spectral markers of impending parturition. STUDY DESIGN Overall, 30 pregnant participants undergoing either spontaneous or induced labor were recruited. The Raman spectra were acquired in vivo at 4-hour intervals throughout labor until rupture of membranes using a Raman system with a fiber-optic probe. Linear mixed-effects models were used to determine significant (P<.05) changes in peak intensities or peak ratios as a function of time to delivery in the study population. A nonnegative least-squares biochemical model was used to extract the changing contributions of specific molecule classes over time. RESULTS We detected multiple biochemical changes during labor, including (1) significant decreases in Raman spectral features associated with collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins (P=.0054) attributed to collagen dispersion, (2) an increase in spectral features associated with blood (P=.0372), and (3) an increase in features indicative of lipid-based molecules (P=.0273). The nonnegative least-squares model revealed a decrease in collagen contribution with time to delivery, an increase in blood contribution, and a change in lipid contribution. CONCLUSION Our findings have demonstrated that in vivo Raman spectroscopy is sensitive to multiple biochemical remodeling changes in the cervix during labor. Furthermore, in vivo Raman spectroscopy may be a valuable noninvasive tool for objectively evaluating the cervix to potentially guide clinical management of labor.
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Richards O, Jenkins C, Griffiths H, Paczkowska E, Dunstan PR, Jones S, Morgan M, Thomas T, Bowden J, Nakimuli A, Nair M, Thornton CA. Vibrational Spectroscopy: A Valuable Screening and Diagnostic Tool for Obstetric Disorders? Front Glob Womens Health 2021; 1:610582. [PMID: 34816172 PMCID: PMC8593960 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2020.610582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a common obstetric disorder typically affecting 2–8% of all pregnancies and can lead to several adverse obstetric outcomes for both mother and fetus with the greatest burden of severe outcomes in low middle-income countries (LMICs), therefore, screening for PE is vital. Globally, screening is based on maternal characteristics and medical history which are nonspecific for the disorder. In 2004, the World Health Organization acknowledged that no clinically useful test was able to predict the onset of PE, which prompted a universal search for alternative means of screening. Over the past decade or so, emphasis has been placed on the use of maternal characteristics in conjunction with biomarkers of disease combined into predictive algorithms, however these are yet to transition into the clinic and are cost prohibitive in LMICs. As a result, the screening paradigm for PE remains unchanged. It is evident that novel approaches are needed. Vibrational spectroscopy, specifically Raman spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), could provide better alternatives suited for implementation in low resource settings as no specialized reagents are required for conventional approaches and there is a drive to portable platforms usable in both urban and rual community settings. These techniques are based on light scattering and absorption, respectively, allowing detailed molecular analysis of samples to produce a unique molecular fingerprint of diseased states. The specificity of vibrational spectroscopy might well make it suited for application in other obstetric disorders such as gestational diabetes mellitus and obstetric cholestasis. In this review, we summarize current approaches sought as alternatives to current screening methodologies and introduce how vibrational spectroscopy could offer superior screening and diagnostic paradigms in obstetric care. Additionally, we propose a real benefit of such tools in LMICs where limited resources battle the higher prevalence of obstetric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Richards
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Cerys Jenkins
- Department of Physics, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Helena Griffiths
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Edyta Paczkowska
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Peter R Dunstan
- Department of Physics, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon Jones
- Maternity and Child Health, Singleton Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Margery Morgan
- Maternity and Child Health, Singleton Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Tanya Thomas
- Maternity and Child Health, Singleton Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Jayne Bowden
- Maternity and Child Health, Singleton Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Annettee Nakimuli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Manju Nair
- Maternity and Child Health, Singleton Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine A Thornton
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
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Yan Y, Basij M, Garg A, Varrey A, Alhousseini A, Hsu R, Hernandez-Andrade E, Romero R, Hassan SS, Mehrmohammadi M. Spectroscopic photoacoustic imaging of cervical tissue composition in excised human samples. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247385. [PMID: 33657136 PMCID: PMC7928441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Cervical remodeling is an important component in determining the pathway of parturition; therefore, assessing changes in cervical tissue composition may provide information about the cervix’s status beyond the measurement of cervical length. Photoacoustic imaging is a non-invasive ultrasound-based technology that captures acoustic signals emitted by tissue components in response to laser pulses. This optical information allows for the determination of the collagen-to-water ratio (CWR). The purpose of this study was to compare the CWR evaluated by using spectroscopic photoacoustic (sPA) imaging in cervical samples obtained from pregnant and non-pregnant women. Methods This cross-sectional study comprised cervical biopsies obtained at the time of hysterectomy (n = 8) and at the scheduled cesarean delivery in pregnant women at term who were not in labor (n = 8). The cervical CWR was analyzed using a fiber-optic light-delivery system integrated to an ultrasound probe. The photoacoustic signals were acquired within the range of wavelengths that cover the peak absorption of collagen and water. Differences in the CWR between cervical samples from pregnant and non-pregnant women were analyzed. Hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius Red stains were used to compare the collagen content of cervical samples in these two groups. Results Eight cervix samples were obtained after hysterectomy, four from women ≤41 years of age and four from women ≥43 years of age; all cervical samples (n = 8) from pregnant women were obtained after 37 weeks of gestation at the time of cesarean section. The average CWR in cervical tissue samples from pregnant women was 18.7% (SD 7.5%), while in samples from non-pregnant women, it was 55.0% (SD 20.3%). There was a significantly higher CWR in the non-pregnant group compared to the pregnant group with a p-value <0.001. A subgroup analysis that compared the CWR in cervical samples from pregnant women and non-pregnant women ≤41 years of age (mean 46.3%, SD 23.1%) also showed a significantly higher CWR (p <0.01). Lower collagen content in the pregnancy group was confirmed by histological analysis, which revealed the loss of tissue composition, increased water content, and collagen degradation. Conclusion The proposed bimodal ultrasound and sPA imaging system can provide information on the biochemical composition of cervical tissue in pregnant and non-pregnant women. Photoacoustic imaging showed a higher collagen content in cervical samples from non-pregnant women as compared to those from pregnant women, which matched with the histological analysis. This novel imaging method envisions a new potential for a sensitive diagnostic tool in the evaluation of cervical tissue composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Maryam Basij
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Alpana Garg
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Aneesha Varrey
- Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ali Alhousseini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Richard Hsu
- Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Edgar Hernandez-Andrade
- Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas, Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Roberto Romero
- Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Sonia S. Hassan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Office of Women’s Health, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Mohammad Mehrmohammadi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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6
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Evolving cervical imaging technologies to predict preterm birth. Semin Immunopathol 2020; 42:385-396. [PMID: 32524180 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00800-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth, defined as delivery at less than 37 weeks' gestation, increases maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality and places heavy financial and emotional burdens on families and society. Although premature cervical remodeling is a major factor in many preterm deliveries, how and why this occurs is poorly understood. This review describes existing and emerging imaging techniques and their advantages and disadvantages in assessing cervical remodeling. Brightness mode (B-mode) ultrasound is used to measure the cervical length, currently the gold standard for determining risk of preterm birth. Several new B-mode ultrasound techniques are being developed, including measuring attenuation, cervical gland area, and the cervical consistency index. Shear wave speed can differentiate between soft (ripe) and firm (unripe) cervices by measuring the speed of ultrasound through a tissue. Elastography provides qualitative information regarding cervical stiffness by compressing the tissue with the ultrasound probe. Raman spectroscopy uses a fiber optic probe to assess the biochemical composition of the cervix throughout pregnancy. Second harmonic generation microscopy uses light to quantify changes in collagen fiber structure and size during cervical maturation. Finally, photoacoustic endoscopy records light-induced sound to determine optical characteristics of cervical tissue. In the long term, a combination of several imaging approaches, combined with consideration of clinical epidemiologic characteristics, will likely be required to accurately predict preterm birth.
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7
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Helmi H, Siddiqui A, Yan Y, Basij M, Hernandez-Andrade E, Gelovani J, Hsu CD, Hassan SS, Mehrmohammadi M. The role of noninvasive diagnostic imaging in monitoring pregnancy and detecting patients at risk for preterm birth: a review of quantitative approaches. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 35:568-591. [PMID: 32089024 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1722099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The ability to predict patients at risk for preterm birth remains a major health challenge. The currently available clinical diagnostics such as cervical length and fetal fibronectin may detect only up to 30% of patients who eventually experience a spontaneous preterm birth. This paper reviews ongoing efforts to improve the ability to conduct a risk assessment for preterm birth. In particular, this work focuses on quantitative methods of imaging using ultrasound-based techniques, magnetic resonance imaging, and optical imaging modalities. While ultrasound imaging is the major modality for preterm birth risk assessment, a summary of efforts to adopt other imaging modalities is also discussed to identify the technical and diagnostic limits associated with adopting them in clinical settings. We conclude the review by proposing a new approach using combined photoacoustic, ultrasound, and elastography as a potential means to better assess cervical tissue remodeling, and thus improve the detection of patients at-risk of PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Helmi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Adeel Siddiqui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Maryam Basij
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Edgar Hernandez-Andrade
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Juri Gelovani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Chaur-Dong Hsu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sonia S Hassan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.,Office of Women's Health, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Mohammad Mehrmohammadi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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8
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Abstract
Pregnancy is a complex process that involves crosstalk among multiple cell types in both the endometrial and myometrial compartments at the maternal side to support the fetus. Genetic engineered mouse models have served as a major platform to dissect the convolute genetic interactions in a physiological context. Combining with various applications of next generation sequencing and genome editing, functional assays by mouse models have expanded the spectrum to include both coding and noncoding genome. The present review will highlight recent findings that are primarily based on studies of mouse models with emphasis on pathways for endometrial receptivity and myometrial contraction. Emerging novel technologies that may advance the research in these two aspects will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- San-Pin Wu
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
| | - Olivia M Emery
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
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9
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Bergholt MS, Serio A, Albro MB. Raman Spectroscopy: Guiding Light for the Extracellular Matrix. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:303. [PMID: 31737621 PMCID: PMC6839578 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of a complex mesh of proteins, glycoproteins, and glycosaminoglycans, and is essential for maintaining the integrity and function of biological tissues. Imaging and biomolecular characterization of the ECM is critical for understanding disease onset and for the development of novel, disease-modifying therapeutics. Recently, there has been a growing interest in the use of Raman spectroscopy to characterize the ECM. Raman spectroscopy is a label-free vibrational technique that offers unique insights into the structure and composition of tissues and cells at the molecular level. This technique can be applied across a broad range of ECM imaging applications, which encompass in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo analysis. State-of-the-art confocal Raman microscopy imaging now enables label-free assessments of the ECM structure and composition in tissue sections with a remarkably high degree of biomolecular specificity. Further, novel fiber-optic instrumentation has opened up for clinical in vivo ECM diagnostic measurements across a range of tissue systems. A palette of advanced computational methods based on multivariate statistics, spectral unmixing, and machine learning can be applied to Raman data, allowing for the extraction of specific biochemical information of the ECM. Here, we review Raman spectroscopy techniques for ECM characterizations over a variety of exciting applications and tissue systems, including native tissue assessments (bone, cartilage, cardiovascular), regenerative medicine quality assessments, and diagnostics of disease states. We further discuss the challenges in the widespread adoption of Raman spectroscopy in biomedicine. The results of the latest discovery-driven Raman studies are summarized, illustrating the current and potential future applications of Raman spectroscopy in biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads S. Bergholt
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Serio
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael B. Albro
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
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10
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Yoshida K, Jayyosi C, Lee N, Mahendroo M, Myers KM. Mechanics of cervical remodelling: insights from rodent models of pregnancy. Interface Focus 2019; 9:20190026. [PMID: 31485313 PMCID: PMC6710664 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2019.0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The uterine cervix undergoes a complex remodelling process during pregnancy, characterized by dramatic changes in both extracellular matrix (ECM) structure and mechanical properties. Understanding the cervical remodelling process in a term or preterm birth will aid efforts for the prevention of preterm births (PTBs), which currently affect 14.8 million babies annually worldwide. Animal models of pregnancy, particularly rodents, continue to provide valuable insights into the cervical remodelling process, through the study of changes in ECM structure and mechanical properties at defined gestation time points. Currently, there is a lack of a collective, quantitative framework to relate the complex, nonlinear mechanical behaviour of the rodent cervix to changes in ECM structure. This review aims to fill this gap in knowledge by outlining the current understanding of cervical remodelling during pregnancy in rodent models in the context of solid biomechanics. Here we highlight the collective contribution of multiple mechanical studies which give evidence that cervical softening coincides with known ECM changes throughout pregnancy. Taken together, mechanical tests on tissue from pregnant rodents reveal the cervix's remarkable ability to soften dramatically during gestation to allow for a compliant tissue that can withstand damage and can dissipate mechanical loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Yoshida
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles Jayyosi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicole Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mala Mahendroo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kristin M. Myers
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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11
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O’Brien CM, Cochran KJ, Masson LE, Goldberg M, Marple E, Bennett KA, Reese J, Slaughter JC, Newton JM, Mahadevan-Jansen A. Development of a visually guided Raman spectroscopy probe for cervical assessment during pregnancy. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2019; 12:e201800138. [PMID: 30259692 PMCID: PMC6578580 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201800138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal death, however, accurate prediction methods do not exist. Detection of early changes in the cervix, an organ that biochemically remodels to deliver the fetus, has potential to predict PTB risk. Researchers have employed light-based methods to monitor biochemical changes in the cervix during pregnancy, however, these approaches required patients to undergo a speculum examination which many patients find uncomfortable and is not standard practice during prenatal care. Herein, a visually guided optical probe is presented that measures the cervix via introduction by bimanual examination, a procedure that is commonly performed during prenatal visits and labor for tactile monitoring of the cervix. The device incorporates a Raman spectroscopy probe for biochemical monitoring and a camera for visualizing measurement location to ensure it is void of cervical mucus and blood. This probe was tested in 15 patients receiving obstetric and gynecological care, and results acquired with and without a speculum revealed similar spectra, demonstrating that the visually guided probe conserved data quality. Additionally, the majority of patients reported reduced discomfort from the device. In summary, the visual guidance probe successfully measured the cervix while integrating with standard prenatal care, reducing a barrier in clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M. O’Brien
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
- Biophotonics Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Katherine J. Cochran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
- Biophotonics Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Laura E. Masson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
- Biophotonics Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Mack Goldberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Kelly A. Bennett
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jeff Reese
- Biophotonics Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - James C. Slaughter
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - J M. Newton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Anita Mahadevan-Jansen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
- Biophotonics Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
- Correspondence Anita Mahadevan-Jansen, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232.,
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12
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Masson LE, O'Brien CM, Pence IJ, Herington JL, Reese J, van Leeuwen TG, Mahadevan-Jansen A. Dual excitation wavelength system for combined fingerprint and high wavenumber Raman spectroscopy. Analyst 2018; 143:6049-6060. [PMID: 30420993 PMCID: PMC6295447 DOI: 10.1039/c8an01989d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A fiber optic probe-based Raman spectroscopy system using a single laser module with two excitation wavelengths, at 680 and 785 nm, has been developed for measuring the fingerprint and high wavenumber regions using a single detector. This system is simpler and less expensive than previously reported configurations of combined fingerprint and high wavenumber Raman systems, and its probe-based implementation facilitates numerous in vivo applications. The high wavenumber region of the Raman spectrum ranges from 2800-3800 cm-1 and contains valuable information corresponding to the molecular vibrations of proteins, lipids, and water, which is complimentary to the biochemical signatures found in the fingerprint region (800-1800 cm-1), which probes DNA, lipids, and proteins. The efficacy of the system is demonstrated by tracking changes in water content in tissue-mimicking phantoms, where Voigtian decomposition of the high wavenumber water peak revealed a correlation between the water content and type of water-tissue interactions in the samples. This dual wavelength system was then used for in vivo assessment of cervical remodeling during mouse pregnancy, a physiologic process with known changes in tissue hydration. The system shows that Raman spectroscopy is sensitive to changes in collagen content in the fingerprint region and hydration state in the high wavenumber region, which was verified using an ex vivo comparison of wet and dry weight. Simultaneous fingerprint and high wavenumber Raman spectroscopy will allow precise in vivo quantification of tissue water content in the high wavenumber region, paired with the high biochemical specificity of the fingerprint region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Masson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA.
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13
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Qu Y, Hu P, Shi J, Maslov K, Zhao P, Li C, Ma J, Garcia-Uribe A, Meyers K, Diveley E, Pizzella S, Muench L, Punyamurthy N, Goldstein N, Onwumere O, Alisio M, Meyenburg K, Maynard J, Helm K, Altieri E, Slaughter J, Barber S, Burger T, Kramer C, Chubiz J, Anderson M, McCarthy R, England SK, Macones GA, Stout MJ, Tuuli M, Wang LV. In vivo characterization of connective tissue remodeling using infrared photoacoustic spectra. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2018; 23:1-6. [PMID: 30520275 PMCID: PMC6318810 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.23.12.121621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Premature cervical remodeling is a critical precursor of spontaneous preterm birth, and the remodeling process is characterized by an increase in tissue hydration. Nevertheless, current clinical measurements of cervical remodeling are subjective and detect only late events, such as cervical effacement and dilation. Here, we present a photoacoustic endoscope that can quantify tissue hydration by measuring near-infrared cervical spectra. We quantify the water contents of tissue-mimicking hydrogel phantoms as an analog of cervical connective tissue. Applying this method to pregnant women in vivo, we observed an increase in the water content of the cervix throughout pregnancy. The application of this technique in maternal healthcare may advance our understanding of cervical remodeling and provide a sensitive method for predicting preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Qu
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
- Washington University in St. Louis, Department of Biomedical Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Peng Hu
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
- Washington University in St. Louis, Department of Biomedical Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Junhui Shi
- California Institute of Technology, Caltech Optical Imaging Laboratory, Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering and Department of Electrical Engineering, Pasadena, California, United States
| | - Konstantin Maslov
- California Institute of Technology, Caltech Optical Imaging Laboratory, Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering and Department of Electrical Engineering, Pasadena, California, United States
| | - Peinan Zhao
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Chiye Li
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
- Washington University in St. Louis, Department of Biomedical Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Jun Ma
- Washington University in St. Louis, Department of Biomedical Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Alejandro Garcia-Uribe
- Washington University in St. Louis, Department of Biomedical Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Karen Meyers
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Emily Diveley
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Stephanie Pizzella
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Lisa Muench
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Nina Punyamurthy
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Naomi Goldstein
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Oji Onwumere
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Mariana Alisio
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Kaytelyn Meyenburg
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Jennifer Maynard
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Kristi Helm
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Emma Altieri
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Janessia Slaughter
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Sabrina Barber
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Tracy Burger
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Christine Kramer
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Jessica Chubiz
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Monica Anderson
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Ronald McCarthy
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Sarah K. England
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - George A. Macones
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Molly J. Stout
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Methodius Tuuli
- Washington University in St. Louis, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Lihong V. Wang
- California Institute of Technology, Caltech Optical Imaging Laboratory, Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering and Department of Electrical Engineering, Pasadena, California, United States
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14
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Li C, Armstrong JP, Pence IJ, Kit-Anan W, Puetzer JL, Correia Carreira S, Moore AC, Stevens MM. Glycosylated superparamagnetic nanoparticle gradients for osteochondral tissue engineering. Biomaterials 2018; 176:24-33. [PMID: 29852377 PMCID: PMC6018621 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In developmental biology, gradients of bioactive signals direct the formation of structural transitions in tissue that are key to physiological function. Failure to reproduce these native features in an in vitro setting can severely limit the success of bioengineered tissue constructs. In this report, we introduce a facile and rapid platform that uses magnetic field alignment of glycosylated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, pre-loaded with growth factors, to pattern biochemical gradients into a range of biomaterial systems. Gradients of bone morphogenetic protein 2 in agarose hydrogels were used to spatially direct the osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells and generate robust osteochondral tissue constructs exhibiting a clear mineral transition from bone to cartilage. Interestingly, the smooth gradients in growth factor concentration gave rise to biologically-relevant, emergent structural features, including a tidemark transition demarcating mineralized and non-mineralized tissue and an osteochondral interface rich in hypertrophic chondrocytes. This platform technology offers great versatility and provides an exciting new opportunity for overcoming a range of interfacial tissue engineering challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunching Li
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - James Pk Armstrong
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Isaac J Pence
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Worrapong Kit-Anan
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer L Puetzer
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Correia Carreira
- H. H. Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TL, United Kingdom
| | - Axel C Moore
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Molly M Stevens
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom.
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15
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Ou YC, Webb JA, O'Brien CM, Pence IJ, Lin EC, Paul EP, Cole D, Ou SH, Lapierre-Landry M, DeLapp RC, Lippmann ES, Mahadevan-Jansen A, Bardhan R. Diagnosis of immunomarkers in vivo via multiplexed surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy with gold nanostars. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:13092-13105. [PMID: 29961778 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr01478g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we demonstrate the targeted diagnosis of immunomarker programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and simultaneous detection of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in breast cancer tumors in vivo using gold nanostars (AuNS) with multiplexed surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Real-time longitudinal tracking with SERS demonstrated maximum accumulation of AuNS occurred 6 h post intravenous (IV) delivery, enabling detection of both biomarkers simultaneously. Raman signal correlating to both PD-L1 and EGFR decreased by ∼30% in control tumors where receptors were pre-blocked prior to AuNS delivery, indicating both the sensitivity and specificity of SERS in distinguishing tumors with different levels of PD-L1 and EGFR expression. Our in vivo study was combined with the first demonstration of ex vivo SERS spatial maps of whole tumor lesions that provided both a qualitative and quantitative assessment of biomarker status with near cellular-level resolution. High resolution SERS maps also provided an overview of AuNS distribution in tumors which correlated well with the vascular density. Mass spectrometry showed AuNS accumulation in tumor and liver, and clearance via spleen, and electron microscopy revealed AuNS were endocytosed in tumors, Kupffer cells in the liver, and macrophages in the spleen. This study demonstrates that SERS-based diagnosis mediated by AuNS provides an accurate measure of multiple biomarkers both in vivo and ex vivo, which will ultimately enable a clinically-translatable platform for patient-tailored immunotherapies and combination treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chuan Ou
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA.
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16
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O’Brien CM, Vargis E, Rudin A, Slaughter JC, Thomas G, Newton JM, Reese J, Bennett KA, Mahadevan-Jansen A. In vivo Raman spectroscopy for biochemical monitoring of the human cervix throughout pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018; 218:528.e1-528.e18. [PMID: 29410109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cervix must undergo significant biochemical remodeling to allow for successful parturition. This process is not fully understood, especially in instances of spontaneous preterm birth. In vivo Raman spectroscopy is an optical technique that can be used to investigate the biochemical composition of tissue longitudinally and noninvasively in human beings, and has been utilized to measure physiology and disease states in a variety of medical applications. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to measure in vivo Raman spectra of the cervix throughout pregnancy in women, and to identify biochemical markers that change with the preparation for delivery and postpartum repair. STUDY DESIGN In all, 68 healthy pregnant women were recruited. Raman spectra were measured from the cervix of each patient monthly in the first and second trimesters, weekly in the third trimester, and at the 6-week postpartum visit. Raman spectra were measured using an in vivo Raman system with an optical fiber probe to excite the tissue with 785 nm light. A spectral model was developed to highlight spectral regions that undergo the most changes throughout pregnancy, which were subsequently used for identifying Raman peaks for further analysis. These peaks were analyzed longitudinally to determine if they underwent significant changes over the course of pregnancy (P < .05). Finally, 6 individual components that comprise key biochemical constituents of the human cervix were measured to extract their contributions in spectral changes throughout pregnancy using a linear combination method. Patient factors including body mass index and parity were included as variables in these analyses. RESULTS Raman peaks indicative of extracellular matrix proteins (1248 and 1254 cm-1) significantly decreased (P < .05), while peaks corresponding to blood (1233 and 1563 cm-1) significantly increased (P < .0005) in a linear manner throughout pregnancy. In the postpartum cervix, significant increases in peaks corresponding to actin (1003, 1339, and 1657 cm-1) and cholesterol (1447 cm-1) were observed when compared to late gestation, while signatures from blood significantly decreased. Postpartum actin signals were significantly higher than early pregnancy, whereas extracellular matrix proteins and water signals were significantly lower than early weeks of gestation. Parity had a significant effect on blood and extracellular matrix protein signals, with nulliparous patients having significant increases in blood signals throughout pregnancy, and higher extracellular matrix protein signals in early pregnancy compared to patients with prior pregnancies. Body mass index significantly affected actin signal contribution, with low body mass index patients showing decreasing actin contribution throughout pregnancy and high body mass index patients demonstrating increasing actin signals. CONCLUSION Raman spectroscopy was successfully used to biochemically monitor cervical remodeling in pregnant women during prenatal visits. This foundational study has demonstrated sensitivity to known biochemical dynamics that occur during cervical remodeling, and identified patient variables that have significant effects on Raman spectra throughout pregnancy. Raman spectroscopy has the potential to improve our understanding of cervical maturation, and be used as a noninvasive preterm birth risk assessment tool to reduce the incidence, morbidity, and mortality caused by preterm birth.
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17
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Herington JL, O’Brien C, Robuck MF, Lei W, Brown N, Slaughter JC, Paria BC, Mahadevan-Jansen A, Reese J. Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase 1 Mediates the Timing of Parturition in Mice Despite Unhindered Uterine Contractility. Endocrinology 2018; 159:490-505. [PMID: 29029054 PMCID: PMC5761592 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cyclooxygenase (COX)-derived prostaglandins stimulate uterine contractions and prepare the cervix for parturition. Prior reports suggest Cox-1 knockout (KO) mice exhibit delayed parturition due to impaired luteolysis, yet the mechanism for late-onset delivery remains unclear. Here, we examined key factors for normal onset of parturition to determine whether any could account for the delayed parturition phenotype. Pregnant Cox-1KO mice did not display altered timing of embryo implantation or postimplantation growth. Although messenger RNAs of contraction-associated proteins (CAPs) were differentially expressed between Cox-1KO and wild-type (WT) myometrium, there were no differences in CAP agonist-induced intracellular calcium release, spontaneous or oxytocin (OT)-induced ex vivo uterine contractility, or in vivo uterine contractile pressure. Delayed parturition in Cox-1KO mice persisted despite exogenous OT treatment. Progesterone (P4) withdrawal, by ovariectomy or administration of the P4-antagonist RU486, diminished the delayed parturition phenotype of Cox-1KO mice. Because antepartum P4 levels do not decline in Cox-1KO females, P4-treated WT mice were examined for the effect of this hormone on in vivo uterine contractility and ex vivo cervical dilation. P4-treated WT mice had delayed parturition but normal uterine contractility. Cervical distensibility was decreased in Cox-1KO mice on the day of expected delivery and reduced in WT mice with long-term P4 treatment. Collectively, these findings show that delayed parturition in Cox-1KO mice is the result of impaired luteolysis and cervical dilation, despite the presence of strong uterine contractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Herington
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Christine O’Brien
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Michael F. Robuck
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Wei Lei
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital & Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215007, China
| | - Naoko Brown
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - James C. Slaughter
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, 37232
| | - Bibhash C. Paria
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | | | - Jeff Reese
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
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18
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You AYF, Bergholt MS, St-Pierre JP, Kit-Anan W, Pence IJ, Chester AH, Yacoub MH, Bertazzo S, Stevens MM. Raman spectroscopy imaging reveals interplay between atherosclerosis and medial calcification in the human aorta. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2017; 3:e1701156. [PMID: 29226241 PMCID: PMC5721727 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1701156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Medial calcification in the human aorta accumulates during aging and is known to be aggravated in several diseases. Atherosclerosis, another major cause of cardiovascular calcification, shares some common aggravators. However, the mechanisms of cardiovascular calcification remain poorly understood. To elucidate the relationship between medial aortic calcification and atherosclerosis, we characterized the cross-sectional distributions of the predominant minerals in aortic tissue, apatite and whitlockite, and the associated extracellular matrix. We also compared the cellular changes between atherosclerotic and nonatherosclerotic human aortic tissues. This was achieved through the development of Raman spectroscopy imaging methods that adapted algorithms to distinguish between the major biomolecules present within these tissues. We present a relationship between apatite, cholesterol, and triglyceride in atherosclerosis, with the relative amount of all molecules concurrently increased in the atherosclerotic plaque. Further, the increase in apatite was disproportionately large in relation to whitlockite in the aortic media directly underlying a plaque, indicating that apatite is more pathologically significant in atherosclerosis-aggravated medial calcification. We also discovered a reduction of β-carotene in the whole aortic intima, including a plaque in atherosclerotic aortic tissues compared to nonatherosclerotic tissues. This unprecedented biomolecular characterization of the aortic tissue furthers our understanding of pathological and physiological cardiovascular calcification events in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Y. F. You
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Mads S. Bergholt
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Jean-Philippe St-Pierre
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Worrapong Kit-Anan
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Isaac J. Pence
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Adrian H. Chester
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Harefield Heart Science Centre, Imperial College London, Harefield, Middlesex UB9 6JH, UK
| | - Magdi H. Yacoub
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Harefield Heart Science Centre, Imperial College London, Harefield, Middlesex UB9 6JH, UK
| | - Sergio Bertazzo
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Malet Place Engineering Building, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Molly M. Stevens
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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